February 17, 2025 by D. Paul Graham

**President Donald Trump fly-by in Air Force One at the 2025 Daytona 500. Photo: D. Paul Graham / imageGRAHAM, llc**

It’s Presidents’ Day, which means it’s the one day a year we take a step back and honor our nation’s leaders. But beyond the long weekend and retail sales, it’s a chance to recognize the immense responsibility that comes with leading a country. From Washington’s steadfast resolve to Lincoln’s unwavering vision, this day reminds us that leadership is never simple, but always significant and complex. Some presidents inspired with soaring rhetoric, others with sheer exasperation. This morning’s M5T shares five humorous and witty presidential quotes.

1. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Even Lincoln knew politics could get ugly, but he was a master of dry wit. When accused of being duplicitous, he countered with a self-deprecating remark about his own looks. It’s a masterclass in humor. Admit a flaw, even if it’s not true, before your enemies can use it against you. "If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?" Lincoln also revealed that if you don’t know what you’re talking about, it’s best to keep quiet, before everyone figures it out. "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Perhaps a perfect rule for politics that holds true today, especially with social media.

2. THEODORE ROOSEVELT. Teddy knew a thing or two about Washington’s ethical challenges. With scandals as common as filibusters, this jab at the Senate suggests that some lawmakers spend as much time dodging legal trouble as they do while passing laws. "When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer ‘Present’ or ‘Not guilty.’" Teddy was all about grit and determination. When life, or in his case Congress, tries to shake you off, never let go. Dig in and hang on for dear life and wrestle what you can in the process. "When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on."

3. BILL CLINTON. Leadership can be lonely, especially when no one follows orders. Clinton summed up the frustration of trying to get Washington to actually do something. In politics, much like in a graveyard, silence is not always golden. "Being president is like running a cemetery. You’ve got a lot of people under you and nobody’s listening." Not all of Clinton’s quips were jokes, some were extremely profound and sharp observations. Mess with the truth, and things go downhill fast. A warning for politicians, journalists, and anyone in the public eye. "The road to tyranny, we must never forget, begins with the destruction of the truth.”

4. RONALD REAGAN. Reagan, the king of presidential zingers, knew how to poke fun at the bureaucratic monotony of government. Cabinet meetings can drag, and even the president isn’t immune to zoning out when things get too wonky. "I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I’m in a Cabinet meeting." Regan also wasn’t subtle talking about politics as a profession. "Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first." The comparison has stuck for a reason.

5. HERBERT HOOVER. Hoover had a tough presidency, but at least he kept his good sense of humor. Perhaps even more timely today, Hoover’s quip highlights an enduring American truth that every generation hopes to pass on a better country, but somehow, the national debt just keeps getting bigger. "Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.". Hoover, who presided over the start of the Great Depression, understood financial struggles. Just when you think you’ve got your budget figured out, unexpected surprises happen. "About the time we think we can make ends meet, somebody moves the ends." Some things never change.

Here's to a day of honoring America’s Presidents, no matter what side of the aisle you are on. Given the state of things, maybe a little presidential laughter is exactly what we need.

For over 13 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™. He continues to embrace the Pause.

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